Chocolate Peanut Butter Krispie Cake

Another oldie, but a goodie!! I can't believe I don't whip this Krispie Cake up more often because it takes under10 minutes to make and is so ridiculously good!

The chocolate peanut butter topping really puts this over the top. You can also use other chips like butterscotch, or chocolate mint, or peanut butter!!

1/4 cup margarine
1 package large marshmallows (10 oz)
1 tablespoon vanilla
6 cups Rice Krispies
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 cups chocolate chips

- Grease 9x13 dish.
- In a microwave safe bowl, melt margarine.
- Then add marshmallows and vanilla. Microwave for about 3 minutes.
- Mix in 6 cups Rice Krispies, and quickly press into pan. Use a little margarine on spoon or fingers to press down firmly.
- In a smaller microwave safe bowl, melt peanut butter and chocolate chips (about 2-3 minutes) stirring every 30 seconds to ensure they don't burn. Once all has melted together, cover Krispie cake.
- Refrigerate, then cut.
- 24 servings.

Paper in Bloom Craft Room

I have to share this gorgeous craft room of my dear friend, Carly. She recently posted a tour of her redecorated and reorganized crafting sanctuary on her blog, Paper in Bloom. Isn't it beautiful!! And so bright and fresh for being in her basement. I'm so happy to see all the great storage and organization techniques she uses.

Be sure to visit her blog and to see more photos of her craft room on her Home Sweet Home post. You'll also get to look at all the wonderful cards and paper crafts that she creates! Trust me, you'll be inspired!!

Hawaiian Chicken

Well, I wasn't going to share this recipe... probably because I don't really like chicken all that much. I changed my mind last night when we sat down for dinner, and my 2 year old son turned to me and said "Mmmm... tasty, mommy". I love him.

So, if you like pineapple, you'll like this chicken. When you bite into a the warm, juicy pineapple chunks they really jazz up what could be boring chicken and stuffing.

4 boneless chicken breasts
1 box Stove Top Stuffing
1 cup boiling water
1 tablespoon margarine, melted
1 can pineapple chunks (540 ml, 19 fl oz)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup onion, chopped
salt & pepper

- Season chicken with salt and pepper and place around outside of baking dish.
- Drain pineapple saving the juice.
- Combine stuffing mix, water, margarine and pineapple chunks. Place stuffing mixture in middle of baking dish.
- Add sugar and onion to pineapple juice. Pour over chicken and stuffing.
- Bake @ 400° covered for 30-45 minutes, then uncovered for 15 minutes to brown.
- Serves 4

Dirty Deeds

According to The Plan, we're a little behind schedule this year on the yard projects I'd like to complete. A step in the right direction was the 15 yards of soil that was delivered. This is a 4-way mixed soil from Anseeuw Bros. that I'll use primarily to fix up my front flowerbed and top up some others.

Below is my front flowerbed as a work in progress. We removed the existing red bark and landscaping cloth, pulled up the undesirable plants, and now added the new soil. I still need to reshape and re-edge the entire bed so it is ready for new shrubs and perennials next spring!

Fortunately the men in my life like dirt and tractors!

Bon Jovi: Live Before You Die

Bon Jovi is, has been, and will always be my favorite, long haired rock 'n roll band.

I can still remember, when I was just a kid, I went to my first Bon Jovi concert with 8 of my high school friends in a limo. I made a banner that said Lay Your Hands On Me. Jon actually pointed at it! That is the moment  my fan status escalated to borderline obsession. I'm not the type to collect Tshirts or plaster posters on walls, but I'm a dreamer, and I have spent hours upon hours in Bon Jovi songs, remembering good times back when we were beautiful, feeling the hurt and something for the pain, or listening as I hit the gas ...on the lost highway.

Of course, I have also spent hours imaging what my ultimate Bon Jovi concert experience would be. It's pretty simple:
1. My friend Lisa is with me. I know that if she got that call in the dead of the night, she'd be right by my side.
2. It is an outdoor concert. Wild is the wind.
3. We are front row, and brought up on stage to help lead the audience with Born to be my Baby, Wanted Dead or Alive, and Living on a Prayer. OK, totally know that no one needs helps with these songs, I just want to be on stage.
4. My song requests would be Without Love and Shot Through The Heart (not to be confused with You Give Love a Bad Name). Oh and maybe I'd Die for You and I Want You. Is it possible they can they play every song?
5. We meet the band afterwards.
6. And as we start to leave (...never say goodbye), I'd have one last question that I'd like to ask. I mean, we all know that Tommy worked on the docks and Gina works the diner all day. I sure hope they were able to hold on to what they got. Last I heard, they never backed down. But I need to know "Did Tommy and Gina make it?"

Bon Jovi is my favorite, long haired rock 'n roll band! And, yes, they DO remind us all that we all got to live before we die.

Pina Colada Cake

If you like Pina Coladas, you'll love this cake. It's a good party cake without being overly sweet. Yummy!

Cake:
1 Betty Crocker SuperMoist Cherry Chip Cake Mix
1 1/4 cups water or milk
1/3 cup veg oil
3 eggs

Topping:
1 package JELL-O Instant Vanilla Pudding
2 cups milk
1 package cream cheese, softened (250 g)
1/2 cup icing sugar
1 can crushed pineapple (540 ml / 19 fl oz), drained

1/2 cup toasted coconut (sweetened, shredded)

- Prepare pudding as per directions on box, set aside in fridge.
- Bake cake as per directions on box, in 9x13 pan.
- Prepare topping by creaming together cream cheese and icing sugar, then adding in pudding and pineapple.
- Once cake has cooled, cover with topping and sprinkle toasted coconut on top.

Betty Crocker Bisquick

I have a permanent spot reserved in my pantry for a box of Betty Crocker Bisquick. Not only do I use it to make some of our favorites like Zucchini Pan Bread or Bacon Cheese Biscuits, but also use it for (as they call it) emergency meals, pancakes, muffins or casserole topping.

Visit the Bisquick website for their recipes and Betty Crocker products.

Bacon Cheese Biscuits

These biscuits are quick and easy for breakfast or perfect to have with soup!!

Combine:
3 cups Bisquick
1 1/4 cups milk
1/4 cup bacon, chopped/crumbled
3/4 cup cheese, grated

- Place in greased muffin tins.
- Top with shredded shredded cheese.
- Bake @ 450° for 8 minutes.
- Makes 12.

Birds Of A Feather

We've been "monitoring" some of the bird nests in our trees on our daily strolls around the yard ...which made me think that it seems like we have had more birds this year.

We've had everything from Wild Turkeys, Canadian Geese, Robins, Yellow Finch, Kill Deers, Black Birds, Seagulls to even cute little Hummingbirds in our yard!

The only problem is that our Jack Russell Terrier, Jersey, strictly enforces a no fly zone. He does not like birds. The irony is that most of the nests we've seen are made up of approximately 40% of his very identifiable, stark white, dog hair. Karma's a bitch!

Mocha Whip Ice Cream

No ice cream maker required!! This easy, homemade, frozen treat is very refreshing. And just think of all the different toppings you could add to it - chocolate chips, chocolate sauce, even fruit!

3/4 cup coffee

1 cup icing sugar
1 teaspoon cocoa
2 cups whipping cream
3 tablespoons Kahlua (or any coffee liqueur)

- Mix together coffee, icing sugar and cocoa. Set aside to ensure sugar dissolves.
- In separate bowl, beat whipping cream until soft peaks form.
- Then beat in the coffee mixture.
- Add in Kahlua.
- Place in freezer safe container, cover and freeze for 4 hours. (I use an 8 cup Tupperware container with lid).
- Serves 8

Harrods Blend No. 49 Tea

While we were in London, England, we spent an afternoon at Harrods, the World's most famous department store. Not only does Harrods provide a million square feet of shopping, but the architecture of the building is lit up with 11,500 lights at night.

The Food Halls, which have a wide selection and amazing mosaic tile work, is where I found several different types of coffee and teas to bring home. In one of the assortments was Harrods Blend No. 49 Tea. I fell in love with this Tea, and now save my small stash for special moments. Apparently Blend No. 49 was created to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of their Knightsbridge store, which opened in 1849, thus the Number 49. It's primarily a blend of Indian Darjeeling Teas and has beautiful flavor.

Harrods Blend No. 49 is my favorite Tea. What is yours?

Over-the-Sink Strainer

Now that summer is here, I'm finding I'm washing, rinsing and drying off more fresh fruits and veggies! Which is good enough reason to pull out my expandable over-the-sink strainer that straddles the sink. It has a large stainless steel basket and rubber feet to reduce slipping and then can be easily placed on the counter top. So much easier than trying to use a smaller strainer that I then have to find a bowl to balance it on.

Next... what to do with all these blueberries!

Hearty Homemade Lasagna

I've tried many, many store bought, frozen lasagnas. None quite as good as homemade. Here is my hearty, meaty and cheesy lasagna that I've been making for years. It stays nice and moist, and I even snuck in some spinach to up the green factor.

Sauce:
1 tablespoon oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 lb ground beef
1/4 green pepper, chopped
1 can tomato sauce (231 ml)
1 can diced tomatoes (796 ml / 28 oz)
1 can sliced mushrooms (284 ml)
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon parsley
salt & pepper to taste

Cheese Filling:
1 1/2 cups cottage cheese (500 g)
3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
1 package spinach chopped  (300 g)
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt

12 uncooked lasagna noodles
1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated (topping)

- Saute onion & garlic in oil.
- Add and brown ground beef. Drain fat.
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, green pepper, mushrooms and seasonings. Bring to boil then simmer, remove from heat.
- Combine cottage cheese, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese and egg. Add spinach (well drained) and salt.
- Layer into 9x13 baking dish as follows: 1/3 Sauce | Noodles | 1/3 Sauce | Noodles | Cheese Filling | Noodles | 1/3 Sauce | Mozzarella Cheese
- Cover with foil and bake @ 375° for 45 minutes. Uncover until cheese browns.
Tip: Double this recipe to make to pans of lasagna. One for now, and one for the freezer!

My Kitchen

Have you ever been curious about how some one else's house looks? Or have you ever wished you could sneak inside to see how they live? Since I spend so much time in my kitchen and it seems to be the most popular family gathering spot, I thought I'd share a photo of my kitchen.

Now, of course I have a long list of changes, upgrades, and "if I won the lottery" wish list. But for now ...my humble, little kitchen is just fine!

Oh yeah, and if you want to see some more amazing home pics... check out Martha Stewart's. She has a section on her website where you can view 5 of her properties - Martha's Homes!!

Sooo can I see your kitchen, please? :)

Thank You Scrapbook Challenges

A BIG thank you to Scrapbook Challenges for selecting and featuring my Artsy Fartsy scrapbook page in your Gallery!! (My page was 1 out of 11 featured.)

Puffed Wheat Cake

An oldie but a goodie! And I'm sure everyone has a similar version of this recipe... so hopefully this will be a yummy reminder as to how good and easy Puffed Wheat Cake is! I made a pan last night so my son could take some on his field trip to the Zoo today. For me it reminds me of elementary school hot dog days, church picnics and birthday parties. Enjoy!

Melt together in saucepan and bring to a bubble:
1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Pour over and coat:
8 cups puffed wheat

- Place in buttered 9x13 pan, pact down and let set.
Tip: This cake cuts best if cooled in fridge.

Kiss My Molasses

I themed my son's gingerbread man art from last Christmas around The Gingerbread Man Story. Here is the excerpt I used - Once upon a time there was a little old lady and a little old man. The little old lady thought she'd make a gingerbread man. She rolled out the dough, and cut out the shape, and she put raisins for his eyes, and peppermints for his teeth, and put icing on his head for the hair. Then she put him in the oven, and when it smelled good, she opened up the door to take a peek and out jumped the gingerbread man. He said: "Run, run as fast as you can. Can't catch me, I'm the Gingerbread Man!"

Artwork
Construction paper glued on gingerbread man foam, markers.

Scrapbook Materials
Paper: We R Memory Keepers Grandma's Kitchen.
Ink: Martha Stewart Metallics Copper and Gold.
Other: Fiskars Leave It to Weaver Boarder Punch, Offray Green Ribbon, We R Memory Keepers Grandma's Kitchen Alphabet Stickers & Chipboard with Glitter.

Ornaments

It's a HOT day here on the prairies, which makes it even weirder that I'm posting a Christmas scrapbook page. Kyler made us some Christmas crafts last year which I themed into an ornament page!

Artwork
Colored glue on foam, crayon on craft paper, photos

Scrapbook Materials
Paper: We R Memory Keepers Grandma's Kitchen.
Ink: Martha Stewart Metallics Aqua and Gold.
Other: Offray Metallic Gold & Metallic White Ribbon, Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses Chipboard Stickers, Fancy Pants Daily Grind Label Holder, Crate Prudence Painted Brads.

Prairie Pork Chop Bake

Don't judge. This isn't gourmet. This is getting a decent meal on the table with only 6 ingredients and 5 minutes preparation time. Again another meal my family gobbles up!

We had this pork chop bake a few nights ago with Grilled Asparagus. 

8 pork chops
8 tablespoons prepared mustard
8 tablespoons brown sugar

1 box Stove Top Stuffing
1 can niblet corn (12 oz)
1 cup water

- Mix together mustard and brown sugar. Cover each side of chop with this mixture and place in 9x13 baking dish.
- Combine stuffing, corn and water. Top each chop with 2-3 spoon fulls of stuffing mixture.
- Bake 350° for 45 minutes.

Mango Tango Potentilla

When I purchased and planted these three Potentilla last year, they were labeled Mango Tango, which refers to the orange streaks and centres on the yellow flower... however I'm not exactly seeing the orange on mine yet!! 

Potentilla are a dense, round shrub that is extremely low maintenance. It is hardy, adaptable and does well in full sun. The bright flowers (which come in several variations) attract butterflies but not deer. When I was working in this flower bed I noticed deer tracks all around, but the only thing they ate were some weeds! Now that I've seen first hand how well this little cute shrub does, I'll be planting more in my yard, perhaps some pink or red flowered ones!

Artsy Fartsy

The challenge was trying to make Kyler's pink painting maintain some masculinity! The hat pins are stuck into a ball of rickrack ribbon which gives some dimension and interesting to look at.

Artwork
Craft paint on white paper

Scrapbook Materials
Paper: Pink Paislee Bayberry Cottage Collection Picket Fence and Front Porch
Stickers: Pink Paislee Ambrose Cardstock Stickers Licorice, K&Comany Adhesive Gems
Ribbon: Bobbin Ribon Black Rickrack, Pink Paislee Bayberry Cottage Ribbon Pleats
Ink: Tsukineko Versa Magic Midnight Black
Other: Pink Paislee Queen Bee Punchouts, Maya Road Vintage Black Pearl Pins, Bazzill Basics Half the Edge Cardstock Strips Raven

Grilled Asparagus

So simple, so easy, so good and so healthy! Asparagus has been in the headlines recently as one of those super foods jammed packed full of nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants.

First, I always snap my asparagus off at the natural breaking point rather than cutting or trimming the ends. This ensures you don't have any "woody" asparagus.

Then:
- Drizzle with olive oil
- Season with salt, Mrs. Dash and some lemon juice
- Grill for 2-3 minutes / side
Note: Baking or roasting is just as good, and sometimes easier not to burn them. Bake 350° for 15 minutes.

Daylilies

And here is one of my Daylilies!

Daylilies are the common name of the genus Hemerocallis which means "day" and "beautiful" (Greek). Most flowers open at sunrise then close at sunset. These perennials come in thousands of colors. I really like the vibrant combination of the yellow and burgundy on mine!